July 17, 2013
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern University Health Services (NUHS) and the Department of Athletics and Recreation announced today the hiring of Michael Milligan, M.D., as Head Team Physician and Director of Sports Medicine Services for Intercollegiate Athletics and NUHS.
Under the supervision of John Alexander, M.D., Executive Director of NUHS, and Jim Phillips, PhD, Vice President for Athletics and Recreation, Milligan is tasked with continuing the development of sports medicine services for Northwestern student-athletes while also developing a comprehensive program of sports medicine services for students participating in club and intramural sports and the general student body.
"We are excited to join with the Department of Athletics to form a new and innovative structure that will provide outstanding sports medicine care not only to our varsity student-athletes but to the entire student population," Dr. Alexander said. "Dr. Milligan's background in collegiate and competitive athletics as well as in private practice gives him a unique ability to lead this initiative."
Dr. Milligan came to Northwestern in May 2013 after serving as the Medical Director and Head Team Physician for UNLV Athletics since 2008. Dr. Milligan will work out of the Buehler Sports Medicine facility at Ryan Field as well as the Searle Health Services Building.
"I appreciate the opportunity extended to me by Jim Phillips and Dr. John Alexander to join the Northwestern family," Dr. Milligan said. "Northwestern University has demonstrated a substantial commitment to sports medicine services and to the overall well-being of the student-athlete and the general student body. To have the opportunity to collaboratively lead the growth of these programs and to be a part of the Northwestern family is a true privilege."
"This groundbreaking approach to sports medicine is due to a collaborative model developed by NUHS and the Department of Athletics and Recreation. It is also a symbol of our commitment to provide a world class experience for our student-athletes and the general student body," Phillips said. "Dr. Milligan will provide exceptional care for our varsity competitors as well as the thousands of students who participate in intramural and club sports on a daily basis."
Dr. Milligan, a native of Whiteville, N.C., was a football letter winner at Presbyterian College where he graduated Cum Laude with Honors in chemistry before attending the East Carolina University School of Medicine as a Brody scholarship recipient and completing residency training in family medicine at East Carolina University/Pitt County Memorial Hospital. Following residency, Dr. Milligan practiced rural family medicine in Eastern North Carolina before pursuing aspirations of a career in sports medicine.
He completed a two year sports medicine fellowship with the University of Nevada School of Medicine in Las Vegas during which time he served as a team physician for UNLV athletics, physician for the Las Vegas Marathon, and physician for the Las Vegas 51s, Las Vegas Wranglers and Las Vegas Gladiators. Dr. Milligan also completed a Faculty Development Fellowship at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.
Since 2008 Dr. Milligan has served as Medical Director and Head Team Physician for UNLV athletics. During this period he also served as Program Director for the University of Nevada School of Medicine Sports Medicine Fellowship, training physicians in sports medicine. Additionally, he managed a private practice sports medicine clinic where he cared for members of the community providing sports medicine care with an emphasis on orthopedic and musculoskeletal care.
Dr. Milligan has spoken frequently at the state, regional and national levels. He currently serves as a reviewer for two medical journals. In 2010 he was recipient of a Special Service Award from the Nevada Athletic Trainers Association.
In his free time Dr. Milligan enjoys long distance cycling and running and has completed several ultramarathons. After college Dr. Milligan bicycled from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. as part of the Journey of Hope cycling team raising awareness and funds for those with disabilities.
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